New York-based mediaco BuzzFeed and Frederator Network in Vancouver are developing a 2D-animated series based on the Chikn Nuggit digital shorts.

The new comedy series, which will have a TBD number of 11-minute episodes, follows the titular long-eared dog and his squad of animal pals, who are all named after fast food. 

BuzzFeed animator Kyra Kupetsky created the shorts, which see the animals experiencing comedic situations ranging from simple (drinking coffee for the first time) to surreal (warping time and reality). 

Since launching in 2020, Chikn Nuggit has grown to include about 300 shorts (each around 15 to 20 seconds long) which have racked up more than eight million followers and a billion views on YouTube and other social media platforms, leaning into the teen and Gen-Z demo. These metrics are a promising sign that the brand will have success as a long-form series, says Isabel Schultz, Frederator’s director of development. “With a fan base in place, now is a great time to build the IP.”

Schultz is heading up the series’ global content sales, and Genius Brands—which acquired Frederator’s Vancouver-based parentco WOW! Unlimited Media in 2022—is managing the retail program through its consumer products division. (Genius is rebranding to Kartoon Studios later this month, to reflect its in-house content and CP capabilities.) The company hasn’t yet lined up any sales or a delivery date for the long-form series, according to a GBI spokesperson.

Chikn Nuggit is the second IP that Frederator and BuzzFeed are developing as part of a partnership to turn the animation lab’s IPs into long-form content. The companies previously teamed up to develop the upcoming 2D-animated tween/teen series The Land of Boggs. Based on a collection of online shorts, the series follows colorful, blob-shaped characters as they deal with everyday challenges, such as ordering food or caring for a plant. The comedy shorts have more than 10 million followers across social media.